Travel makes life better.

Read how I explore a world outside my own, experience other cultures to learn about myself, and fund it all with the magic of points and miles. Skyward!

Weekend in Madrid

July 22, 2021

During my long weekend in balmy Madrid, Spain, I explored the city’s many historic squares, took in a relaxed Sunday morning, and chased history at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Iberia Business Class: In a Nutshell, As Expected

July 6, 2021

you’re even a little familiar with premium cabins, you’ve probably heard that Spanish carrier Iberia’s business class is not exactly a high-end goal worth striving for. Spoiler alert: I can confirm can Iberia is a below average-to-average way to cross the Atlantic.

Bright and Airy New SkyClub in Salt Lake City

June 30, 2021

Delta’s newest SkyClub in Salt Lake City opened during the height of the pandemic. It’s a welcoming space to make a connection in Delta’s primary western domestic hub.

It’s ok, I guess…: Centurion Lounge DEN

June 8, 2021

Denver recently lounged American Express’ Centurion Lounge network and I passed through the airport in June and had the opportunity to check it out.

Mediocre Hint of Asia: Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas

May 2, 2021

I was excited to try out the Waldorf Astoria, a former Mandarin Oriental property in the heart of the Strip with no casino, but it ultimately left me feeling underwhelmed.

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Stories from Around the World

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." -Susan Sontag

 

Browse my reviews, itineraries, and stories by destination.

Hey, what's up...I'm Sam

I love to travel. I've gone four days without showering while trekking to Macchu Picchu and I've showered on a plane 40,000 feet above the ground. I love it all!

Read My Stories

Christmas in Azerbaijan

As we drove I was struck by what would prove to be a theme in Baku. On the one hand, I saw opulence, the likes of which I had never seen before outside of Dubai. But on the other hand, I saw signs of destitution side by side.. Azerbaijan was a split society, I saw quickly, with a fancy upper class for those who could afford to show off and participate, but a struggling lower class living among this gaudy facade.

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Hiking in a Blizzard and Other Extreme Icelandic Stories (Part 2)

We left off on the story of our Icelandic adventure in a hotel on the south side of the island. We had completed a road trip of three-quarters of the rotation around Iceland’s famed Ring Road, and saw waterfalls, seals, whales, and lava fields. But it was the final three days of our trip that would become some of the most intense.

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Iceland: The Ring Road (Part 1)

We travel all over the land of fire and ice to see some of the most spectacular imagery on earth.

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